The driving style is efficient as long as the ac‐
celerator pedal pointer is within the lower
range highlighted in blue during acceleration
and deceleration.
The energy recovery occurs during coasting
and braking and is displayed in the perform‐
ance display by the accelerator pedal indicator.
The accelerator pedal pointer is within the
CHARGE range.
Efficient energy recovery:
▷The accelerator pedal moves to the left
within the blue range of the CHARGE dis‐
play, arrow 1.▷The energy use while driving can be opti‐
mized by efficient acceleration.
Efficient acceleration:
▷The accelerator pedal moves to the right
within the blue range of the eDRIVE dis‐
play, arrow 2.▷Use deceleration during coasting as often
as possible for energy recovery.
Brake according to traffic and circum‐
stances
Brake in accordance with the traffic conditions,
or there is the risk of accident.◀
Using drive modes and assistance
systems
Max eDRIVE
Max eDRIVE, refer to page 64, forces electric
driving. Electric driving is especially efficient
for short distances, low to medium speeds and
in stop-and-go traffic.
SAVE battery
SAVE Battery, refer to page 64, conserves the
electric range for a later point in time. In this
case, the vehicle is driven primarily by the
combustion engine.
ECO PRO ECO PRO, refer to page 145, supports a driv‐
ing style that saves on fuel consumption. For
this purpose, the engine control and comfort
features, e. g. the climate control output, are
adjusted.
Discharge of the high-voltage battery Longer idle periods, refer to page 190, can re‐
duce the charging state of the high-voltage
battery.
Do not allow the vehicle to sit idle for ex‐
tended periods with a low charging state
Before storing the vehicle for an extended pe‐
riod, check the battery charge indicator to en‐
sure that the high-voltage battery is fully
charged. During the idle period, connect the
vehicle to a charging station at a suitable
charging location. If necessary, the high-volt‐
age battery will be charged automatically.
Make sure that the charging process takes
place. Regularly check the charging state.
Don't allow battery charge status to drop too
low - it will damage the battery.◀
General driving notes
Closing the tailgate Drive with the tailgate closed
Only drive with the tailgate closed; other‐
wise, in the event of an accident or braking and
evasive maneuvers, passengers and other traf‐Seite 139Things to remember when drivingDriving tips139
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fic may be injured, and the vehicle may be
damaged.◀
If driving with the tailgate open cannot be
avoided:▷Drive moderately.
Hot exhaust system
Hot exhaust system
High temperatures are generated in the
exhaust system.
Do not remove the heat shields installed and
never apply undercoating to them. Make sure
that flammable materials, e. g. hay, leaves,
grass, etc. do not come in contact with the hot
exhaust system while driving, while in idle po‐
sition mode, or when parked. Such contact
could lead to a fire, resulting in an increased
risk of serious personal injury as well as prop‐
erty damage.
Do not touch hot exhaust pipes; otherwise,
there is a danger of getting burned.◀
Mobile communication devices in the
vehicle
Mobile communication devices in the ve‐
hicle
It is not recommended to use mobile phones,
such as mobile phones, in the vehicle interior
without a direct connection to an external aer‐
ial. Otherwise, the vehicle's electronics and
mobile communication devices can interfere
with each other. In addition, there is no assur‐
ance that the radiation generated during trans‐
mission will be conducted away from the vehi‐
cle interior.◀
Hydroplaning Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, re‐
duce your speed to prevent hydroplaning.◀
On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can
form between the tires and road surface.
This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplan‐
ing. It is characterized by a partial or complete
loss of contact between the tires and the road
surface, ultimately undermining your ability to
steer and brake the vehicle.
Driving through water Observe water level and speed
Do not exceed the maximum water level
and maximum speed; otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical systems and the trans‐
mission may be damaged.◀
Drive though calm water only and only if it is
not deeper than 9.8 inches/25 cm and at this
height, no faster than walking speed, up to
3 mph/5 km/h.
Braking safely
Your vehicle is equipped with ABS as a stand‐
ard feature.
Applying the brakes fully is the most effective
way of braking in situations needed.
Steering is still responsive. You can still avoid
any obstacles with a minimum of steering ef‐
fort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal and sounds from
the hydraulic circuits indicate that ABS is in its
active mode.
In certain braking situations, the perforated
brake discs can cause functional problems.
However, this has no effect on the perform‐
ance and operational reliability of the brake.
Objects within the range of movement
of the pedals
No objects in the area around the pedals
Keep floor mats, carpets, and any other
objects out of the pedal area; otherwise, the
function of the pedals could be impeded while driving and create the risk of an accident.
Do not place additional floor mats over existing
mats or other objects.Seite 140Driving tipsThings to remember when driving140
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Only use floor mats that have been approved
for the vehicle and can be properly attached to
floor.
Ensure that the floor mats are securely fas‐
tened again after they were removed for clean‐
ing, e.g.◀
Driving in wet conditions When roads are wet, salted, or in heavy rain,
press brake pedal ever so gently every few
miles.
Ensure that this action does not endanger other traffic.
The heat generated in this process helps dry
the brake discs and pads.
In this way braking efficiency will be available
when you need it.
Hills Avoid stressing the brakes
Avoid placing excessive stress on the
brake system. Light but consistent brake pres‐
sure can lead to high temperatures, brakes
wearing out and possibly even brake failure.◀
Do not drive in neutral
Do not drive in neutral, in the ECO PRO
driving program, or with drive readiness
switched off, as doing so disables engine brak‐
ing. In addition, steering and brake assist are
unavailable with the engine stopped.◀
Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear that requires least braking efforts. Other‐
wise the brakes may overheat and reduce
brake efficiency.
You can increase the engine's braking effect
by shifting down, going all the way to first gear,
if needed.
On downhill sections, use energy recovery if
possible to decelerate the vehicle.Brake disc corrosion
Brake disc corrosion and contamination of the
brake pads are favored by:▷Low mileage.▷Extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all.▷Infrequent use of the brakes.
Corrosion will built up when the maximum
pressure applied to the brake pads during
braking is not reached - thus discs don't get
cleaned.
Corrosion buildup on the brake discs will cause
a pulsating effect on the brakes in their re‐
sponse - generally that cannot be corrected.
Condensation under the parked
vehicle
When using the automatic climate control,
condensation water develops collecting under‐
neath the vehicle.
These traces of water under the vehicle are
normal.
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Level 1 charging cableWith the Level 1 charging cable, it is permissi‐
ble to perform charging from grounded house‐
hold sockets. At the power connection of a
household socket, charging is done with alter‐
nating current.
When a Level 1 charging cable is used, this
may produce efficiency values other than indi‐
cated on the energy label.
Level 2 charging cable The Level 2 charging cable makes it possible
to recharge at sockets of designated
Level 2 charging stations using a special plug.
Charging is performed with alternating current
at designated Level 2 charging stations. The
charging process can be completed faster than
at household sockets.
If necessary, the charging cable is attached to
the charging station.
Storage The Level 1 charging cable is located in the
trunk.
The Level 2 charging cable can be stored in
the same place.
If required, store the charging cable with the
installed plug cover to prevent moisture in the
charging cable plug.Connection
To connect, engage selector lever in position P
and unlock the vehicle. Set the parking brake if
needed.1.Tap on the charging port flap, arrow.2.Connect either a Level 1 or Level 2 charg‐
ing cable to the household socket or the
port on the charging station.3.Remove cover of the charging cable plug if
needed.4.Insert the charging cable plug correspond‐
ing to the charging port, and push it in until
it latches.
When charging at a charging station, follow the
instructions at the charging station.
Remove
When the vehicle is locked, the charging cable
is locked. Unlock the vehicle before removing
the cable.
1.Unlock the vehicle by remote control if it is
locked.
Charging cable is unlocked.2.Press the release button on the handle, ar‐
row 1, and grasp the charging cable at the
gripping areas.Seite 152MobilityCharging vehicle152
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Charging process is interrupted.3.Remove the charging cable from the
charging port, arrow 2.4.Close the charging port flap.5.Attach cover of the charging cable plug if
needed.6.Disconnect either the Level 1 or Level 2
charging cable from the household socket
or the port on the charging station as
needed.7.Stow the charging cable.
At a charging station, insert the perma‐
nently installed charging cable in the place
provided for it.
Manual release
The charging cable may be locked during the
charging process if the vehicle is locked.
Manual unlocking of the charging
cable
In case of an electrical malfunction, the charg‐
ing cable can be manually unlocked.
When charging at a charging station, complete
the charging process at the charging station
before unlocking the charging cable.
1.Open door on the side of the charging port
flap.2.Open cover, arrow 1. Pull the blue knob, Arrow 2. Charging
cable is manually unlocked.3.Grasp the charging cable at the gripping
areas.4.Remove charging cable.
Charging operation
Hints Following safety instructions of the
power mains connection
During the charging process, heed the safety
instructions of the respective power mains
connection. Otherwise, there could be a risk of
personal injury or property damage from high
voltage, e.g., from electrocution or fire.◀
Using a Level 1 charging cable at other
household sockets
Before charging at other household sockets,
adapt the charging current strength to the
mains. Otherwise, there is a risk of fire, e.g.,
from overheating of the household socket or
overloading of the power mains.◀
Starting charging process
1.Engage selector lever position P. Set the
parking brake if needed.2.Planning charging process, refer to
page 154.3.Switch off drive readiness.Seite 153Charging vehicleMobility153
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MaintenanceVehicle features and options
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and
systems. The respectively applicable country
provisions must be observed when using the
respective features and systems.
BMW maintenance system The maintenance system indicates required
maintenance measures, and thereby provides
support in maintaining road safety and the op‐
erational reliability of the vehicle.
In some cases scopes and intervals may vary
according to the country-specific version. Re‐
placement work, spare parts, fuels and lubri‐
cants and wear materials are calculated sepa‐
rately. Additional information is available from
the service center.
Note Maintenance and repairs
Have maintenance and repair work per‐
formed only by a service center or a workshop
that works according to BMW specifications
with appropriately trained personnel. Other‐
wise, there is the risk of fatal injury from elec‐
trocution due to the high-voltage system's
high voltage.◀Condition Based Service
CBS
Sensors and special algorithms take into ac‐
count the driving conditions of your vehicle.
Based on this, Condition Based Service recog‐
nizes the maintenance requirements.
The system makes it possible to adapt the
amount of maintenance corresponding to your
user profile.
Detailed information on service requirements,
refer to page 84, can be displayed on the Con‐
trol Display.
Service data in the remote control Information on the required maintenance is
continuously stored in the remote control. Your service center will read out this data and
suggest the right array of service procedures for your vehicle.
Therefore, hand your service specialist the re‐
mote control with which the vehicle was driven
most recently.
Storage periods Storage periods during which the vehicle bat‐
tery was disconnected are not taken into ac‐
count.
If this occurs, have a service center update the
time-dependent maintenance procedures,
such as checking brake fluid and, if needed,
changing the engine oil and the microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter.Seite 178MobilityMaintenance178
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Tow-starting and towingTransporting your vehicle
Note
Your vehicle is not permitted to be towed.
Therefore, contact a service center in the
event of a breakdown.
Do not have the vehicle towed
Have your vehicle transported on a load‐
ing platform only; otherwise, damage may oc‐
cur.◀
Tow truck
The vehicle should only be transported on a
loading platform.
Do not lift the vehicle
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, damage
may result.◀
Use tow fitting located in the front only for po‐
sitioning the vehicle.
Pushing vehicle To remove a disabled vehicle from the danger
area, push it for a short distance at a speed of
no more than 6 mph/10 km/h.
The vehicle can only be pushed in selector
lever position N.
In order to ensure that the vehicle can roll, pro‐
ceed as follows:1.Switch on drive readiness, refer to
page 61.2.Depress brake pedal.3.Engage selector lever position N.
If there are electrical malfunctions, it may hap‐
pen that you can't change the selector lever
position.
Towing other vehicles The tow-starting or towing of other vehicles
with the BMW i8 is not possible.
Tow fitting The screw-in tow fitting should always be car‐
ried in the vehicle.
The tow fitting can be screwed in at the front
of your BMW.
The tow fitting is located under the first aid kit
behind the left folding cover in the trunk.
Tow fitting, information on use
▷Use only the tow fitting provided with
the vehicle and screw it all the way in.▷Use the tow fitting for towing on paved
roads only.▷Use tow fitting located in the front only for
positioning the vehicle.▷Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g.,
do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting.
Otherwise, damage to the tow fitting and the
vehicle can occur.◀
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Screw thread for tow fitting
Press on the mark on the edge of the cover to
push it out.
Tow-starting
Steptronic transmission
Do not tow-start the vehicle.
Tow-starting the engine is not possible due to
the Steptronic transmission.
Have the cause of the starting problems fixed.
What to do after an accident
Hints After an accident
After an accident, do not touch any high-
voltage components such as orange colored
high-voltage cables or parts that are in contact
with exposed high-voltage cables. Otherwise,
there is the risk of fatal injury from electrocu‐
tion due to the system's high voltage.◀
Esliding fluids
Do not touch any fluids esliding from the
high-voltage battery, or the skin can sustain
chemical burns.◀
General information
If you are involved in an accident with your ve‐
hicle, compliance with the following additional
safety precautions is required with regard to
the high-voltage system:
▷Secure the crash site.▷Immediately notify rescue forces, police, or
firefighters of the fact that your vehicle is
equipped with a high-voltage system.▷Engage selector lever position P, apply the
parking brake, and reel off the ignition or
deactivate drive readiness.▷Lock the vehicle after exiting.▷Do not inhale any gases esliding from the
high-voltage battery; if needed, maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle.Seite 186MobilityBreakdown assistance186
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